Motorcycle Accident Risks

Motorcycle riders enjoy freedoms simply not afforded by other means of transportation — open and uninhibited contact with the warm air, greater visual access to their surroundings, and greater maneuvering abilities than other vehicles, to mention a few. However, motorcycle riding comes with unique risks associated with being so exposed on the open road and not as visible to other vehicles.

It is a sobering fact that motorcycle riders are 26 times more likely to die in an accident than vehicle drivers or passengers, and five times more likely to be injured. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, or if you have lost a family member in a fatal motorcycle accident, please call our California bike injury lawyers for a free initial consultation. We can be reached locally at 714-881-0592 or toll free at 888-696-5422. You can also contact our motorcycle accident attorneys in Orange County online.

Lack of Physical Protection

As you well know, motorcycle riders have far less of a protective barrier between them and other vehicles or features in their environments. There are no seat belts, no air bags (generally speaking), no interior, and no other barriers to protect a motorcycle rider in the event of an accident.

Road Hazards

Unsafe roadways, which may prove a mild inconvenience for motor vehicles, can pose serious motorcycle accident risks and result in highway accidents. Potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris, uneven pavement, ruts, railroad tracks, weather conditions and other road hazards are much more dangerous when encountered by motorcyclists, compared to vehicle drivers.

Lack of Visibility

Motorcyclists are also less visible on the roads to the drivers of other vehicles. Motorcycles are, of course, smaller than vehicles, making them smaller visual targets and more likely to be missed by other vehicle drivers. Many drivers have difficultly anticipating, seeing and avoiding motorcyclists on the road. This motorcycle accident risk is especially high at intersections, where 70 percent of vehicle/motorcycle accidents happen.

Driver Inexperience or Negligence

Compounding the problems of exposure and lack of visibility is the problem of other drivers' inexperience and ignorance when it comes to sharing the road safely with motorcyclists. For example, in two out of three motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles, the driver of the vehicle violated the motorcyclist's right of way.

Speed Risks

At higher speeds, motorcycles can become less stable and may develop a wobble or shake, which can lead to an accident. This can be due to tire misalignment. If this is a factor in a motorcycle accident, the motorcycle manufacturer can be held liable for the misalignment, which caused the high-speed wobble.

Rider Inexperience

Motorcycle rider inexperience is another motorcycle accident risk. Riding a motorcycle requires greater skill and experience than operating other types of vehicles. Inexperience, lack of skill, and lack of precautions on a bike can contribute to motorcycle accidents.

Contact Our California Bike Injury Attorneys

To learn more about motorcycle accident risks and factors that commonly contribute to motorcycle accidents, please call our qualified attorneys today. We can be reached locally at 714-881-0592 or toll free at 888-696-5422. You can also contact our Santa Ana law firm online to schedule your free initial consultation. If you have been in an accident, our attorneys can evaluate your case to determine liability and to help you seek compensation for your losses and suffering.